This week, I am hosting the Carnival of Homeschooling. I thought I would take a bit of a trip down memory lane.

Many moons ago I share this post on my old blog – it was actually one of my very first blog posts! I came across this and thought I would re-share it here, since it had a great recipe for SLIME – plus I can’t believe how much my kids have grown since then!

Jack & Josh being silly. (Jack is now a sophomore and Josh just graduated. Jack is actually THAT TALL now!)

And now for SCIENCE!

Jen doing an experiment to show differences in density… (She’s almost 21 now!)

Josh beginning a chemistry project, growing crystals.

Jack with his own chemistry experiment…..making SLIME! Instructions to follow…

And early yesterday morning, the kiddos were up eating breakfast, and had already started their puzzles for spelling! Now that is motivation!

Take a half cup of water and add the borax (approx 4% solution). Stir in a jar or glass until completely dissolved.

In another jar combine the remaining water and the glue.

In a ziploc bag, combine the borax solution and the glue solution.

Add a couple drops of food coloring.

Seal the bag and knead the mixture.

Dig in and have fun. Remember to wash your hands after playing.

Keep your slime in the sealed bag in the refrigerator when not playing with it to keep it longer. Unfortunately it may eventually dry out or grow mold. Just throw it out and start again!

Notes

Explanation:The borax is acting as the crosslinking agent or "connector" for the glue (polyvinyl acetate) molecules. Once the glue molecules join together to form even larger molecules called polymers, you get a thickened gel very similar to slime. If you've tried this recipe (formula) before using blue starch (instead of the borax) with mixed results, you won't be disappointed with this one. Works every time! If you have access to a chemical supply house, try a 4% solution of polyvinyl alcohol instead of the glue for a less rubbery polymer and one that is transparent showing off the color better.